Tennessee used an 8-0 run to build a 15-10 lead. The Bulldogs pulled even at 16 on a layup by Nick Weatherspoon. Tennessee rebuilt the five-point lead and stretched it to seven points twice.

MSU made one 3-point basket in the first half and trailed 31-24 at halftime.

The Bulldogs struggled offensively after the Weatherspoon injury but the Volunteers could not find separation.

A layup by Stapleton had the Bulldogs within four at 44-40 but the Volunteers came right back with five straight.

A 3-point play by Quinndary Weatherspoon had the Bulldogs within 51-49 with 6:34 left.

The Bulldogs trailed by two at 58-56 after a trey by Peters.

UT missed the second of two free throws to set up the potential game-winner.

For the contest, MSU hit 20 of 56 shots from the field (35.7 percent), 5 of 21 shots from 3-point range (23.8 percent) and 14 of 16 shots from the foul line (87.5 percent). Tennessee hit 20 of 60 shots from the field (33.3 percent), 5 of 20 shots from 3-point range (25.0 percent) and 17 of 28 shots from the foul line (60.7 percent).

Tennessee held a 50-33 rebounding advantage. The Bulldogs had one assist and 16 turnovers, while the Volunteers had 11 assists and 17 turnovers.